Oak Harbor launches feasibility study for indoor recreation center; community forums scheduled

Maggie, the project manager on Oak Harbor’s recreation center feasibility study, told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission that the study has moved from a soft launch in March to a full community needs assessment.

"I am here today to, just talk about the recreational feasibility study, for the recreation center here in Oak Harbor," Maggie said, describing a branding process, leadership workshops and a public Wish Wall where residents can post ideas.

The study team arranged a series of engagement opportunities: a community forum at the Book Rack at 10 a.m. the next day, a second evening forum at 5 p.m. on April 16, and a stakeholder workshop in May with partners such as the library and the school district. Maggie said consultants Barry Dunn and his team were arriving in Oak Harbor to support outreach and data collection and that staff plan to present survey results and preliminary findings to the city council in June.

Commissioners asked about who attends the biweekly planning meetings; Maggie said council members, the mayor and city administrative staff are invited so leadership can help shape outreach and later explain the results to the public. She encouraged commissioners to participate in stakeholder sessions and said staff will circulate engagement materials and timelines in advance.

The timeline for the study aims to collect community input this spring, refine priorities with departmental leadership and return concrete recommendations to the council in June. The commission was asked to note the forums and watch for the activity guide and survey distribution on city channels.